Home willow basket maker

Gardeners, home decorators, gift buyers and shoppers at craft and farmers markets, plus people buying through your online shop or social media.

You sell each basket at a price that covers materials and your time. Larger or custom pieces earn more, and market stalls and online orders can both bring in sales.

• Basket weaving technique (learned through practice or a workshop)
• Patience and steady hands
• Basic photography and social media for showing your work

• Check whether your local council needs approval to run a business from home
• Public liability insurance is often required by market organisers, so check before booking a stall
• Willow supply can be seasonal and quality varies, so check your sources early
• You need an ABN, and should check when GST registration applies as your sales grow
• Weaving is slow, so price your time properly or the business will not pay

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your willow supply, tools and any stall or display gear for markets. These are estimates, so check your willow sources early as supply can be seasonal.

Check whether your local council needs approval to run a business from home. Also check public liability insurance, which market organisers often require, and get an ABN and check when GST registration applies as your sales grow.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many baskets you make and where you sell them. Weaving is slow, so price your time properly. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week.